Next-Gen AirPods Rumored to Feature Infrared Camera: What’s the Purpose?

While Apple is known for its quirky innovations to further integrate its ecosystem, the introduction of the Apple Vision Pro earlier this year seems to be shifting the functionality of other devices, such as AirPods.

Although still a rumor, there are reports that the next generation AirPods will feature an infrared camera. But why would a Bluetooth earpiece be equipped with such a feature

Apple’s New AirPods Rumored to Use Infrared Camera

It wouldn’t be Apple if they didn’t think of ways to smoothen the integration between their devices. Thanks to their spatial computing in the Apple Vision Pro, it is also rumored that the next gen AirPods will have an IR camera. This function is rumored to allow the earpiece to produce spatial audio when used with the Vision Pro.

This information comes from renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has been quite accurate in predicting Apple’s moves for a long time. However, according to him, we won’t be able to enjoy the product anytime soon.

This is because, according to the analyst, mass production for the new AirPods will only start in 2026. Previously, Mark Gurman of Bloomberg also said the same thing about AirPods with this camera.

Apple AirPods Can Detect Motion

So what is the real function of the infrared camera? It could have a function not so different from FaceID. Where it can detect motion and adjust the volume to simulate head movement.

This technique would certainly be effective when used in a 3D environment like Vision Pro. It remains to be seen how Apple will implement it and hopes to sell more units of the mixed reality headset that is still lacking in popularity.